[Erica]

I as well have noticed the reverse effect. We have an area of town called the Sonia Quarters and a major street runs through it. It is inhabited mostly by blacks. From children to older people….they just kind of saunter across the street (no crosswalk anywhere in sight) as if daring you to hit them, even though I am coming at them at 45 mph and have to slam on my brakes to keep from hitting the mother and her children.

User Detail :  

Name : Erica, Gender : F, Race : White/Caucasian, Age : 25, City : Alexandria, State : LA, Country : United States, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[JT]

The act of trotting or walking quickly across a crosswalk is simply out of courtesy for the driver. Most of the time, I do the trot and I also give a little wave as to say thanks for being courteous and patient in allowing me to cross safely. Where I’m from, it’s partly due to southern hospitality.

User Detail :  

Name : JT, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, Age : 32, City : Greenville, State : MS, Country : United States, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[M-Maurer]

It’s a sign of courtesy. The idea is to get everyone on their way with as little delay as possible. It is also not just reserved for crosswalks, I do the same in parking lots, etc. Someone is courtious enough to stop for you, you should ackowledge and return the kindness.

User Detail :  

Name : M-Maurer, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Age : 52, City : Poughkeepsie, State : NY, Country : United States, Occupation : Programmer, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Upper middle class, 

[Ben]

Not only do I speed up as I cross the street (and if a car is coming, I always do), one of my biggest pet peeves is when Im driving and a pedestrian doesnt offer me the same courtesy. Frankly, few things make me more angry when Im behind the wheel than someone who just takes their time across the street as if the driver isnt even there.

User Detail :  

Name : Ben, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 25, City : Morgantown, State : WV, Country : United States, Occupation : salesperson, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[Jt]

I do this too… Funny!

User Detail :  

Name : Jt, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Age : 33, City : long beach, State : CA, Country : United States, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Upper middle class, 

[janene]

no kidding, that bugs the hell out of me too! i’m black and yes, some people both black and white slow to a crawl in front of me too. (for me it’s usually women of either race) it’s not because you’re white but because some people have a huge chip on their shoulder regardless of race. maybe they’re pissed because you have a car and they don’t. or maybe they just think the world revolves around them….

User Detail :  

Name : janene, Gender : F, Race : Black/African American, City : los angeles, State : CA, Country : United States, Occupation : design manager, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Sean]

Exactly. The ‘trot’ is a gesture of politeness. They are trying to get out of your way and show you that they are aware that you are waiting on them. It is the exact polar opposite of the under 25 Black ‘stroll’, which seems pretty passive aggresive and rude to me. It appears to me that Whites tend to be more focused on formality and politeness than Blacks, who seem more focused on relaxation and ‘being real.’

User Detail :  

Name : Sean, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Atheist, Age : 35, City : Dallas, State : TX, Country : United States, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[AmyM]

It is a gesture of courtesy. It may not be faster, but we are acknowledging the fact that you have stopped for us. By the way, if a driver is being rude (turning into the crosswalk I am walking in, blocking the sidewalk etc.) I will absolutely not trot! Be Kind, for everyone is fighting a great battle." -Plato

User Detail :  

Name : AmyM, Gender : Female, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, Age : 42, City : Philadelphia, State : PA, Country : United States, Occupation : student, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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